Production of The Crucible descends into literal witch hunt

A PRODUCTION of The Crucible by the Fabricated Players has descended into an actual witch hunt after cast members became slightly too immersed in the material.

Problems began during rehearsals when director Denise encouraged the company to research the Salem witch trials and “really inhabit the atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia”.

Within three days, 14 members had been accused of witchcraft.

Denise said: “I wanted them to understand what happens when fear overwhelms reason and a community begins making completely baseless accusations.

“Then Brenda said she’d seen Pauline talking to a cat.”

Pauline denied being a witch but was immediately suspended from rehearsals pending an investigation.

She said: “It was my cat.

“I was asking if he wanted his tea.”

The committee described this explanation as “exactly what a witch would say”.

Suspicion quickly spread through the society.

Tim was accused after successfully predicting that Tuesday’s rehearsal would overrun.

Jean became a suspect when three lights mysteriously went out immediately after she entered the auditorium.

And Derek was reported to the committee after bringing in a particularly good lemon drizzle cake which several members felt could not have been achieved naturally.

Brenda said: “I’m not accusing anyone.

“I’m simply saying Derek has never demonstrated that level of baking ability before.”

The society has established a special Witchcraft Subcommittee to investigate allegations.

Its evidence so far includes unusual behaviour, unexplained coincidences and “a feeling Margaret had”.

Members can clear their names by proving they are not witches, although nobody has yet established how.

Tim said: “I asked what evidence they had against me.

“They said demanding evidence was suspicious.”

Rehearsals have now largely stopped, with most evenings devoted to accusations.

The cast originally playing the inhabitants of Salem has divided into rival factions, each convinced the other is involved in supernatural activity.

Denise attempted to remind everyone that The Crucible was written partly as an allegory about the dangers of precisely this sort of behaviour.

She was subsequently accused of defending witches.

The situation reached crisis point on Thursday when Brenda discovered a broom in the props cupboard.

She said: “Why would an innocent amateur dramatics society need a broom?”

Jean pointed out that the clubhouse has floors.

She is now also under investigation.

Despite the disruption, Denise believes the production has achieved an extraordinary level of authenticity.

She said: “Nobody trusts anybody, friendships have collapsed and completely innocent people are being publicly condemned on the basis of gossip and personal grudges.

“Artistically, we’re absolutely ready to open.”

The production begins Friday.

Assuming there is anyone left in the cast.